Your big transition

This Sunday, maybe shortly before noon, a new batch of “adults” will be cast into the world. It’s commencement weekend here at SU and the class of 2015 is about to graduate. Most will head out into the world looking to start their lives, some will pursue graduate school and the rest will, well, do something other than go to school, something they have done for most of their lives.

I have often said that the transition from college to life as an adult is perhaps one of the most difficult transitions to make. From the age of five you’re gradually moved from one level to the next. Elementary school to middle school, middle school to high school, high school to college and then college to . . . WHAM!

Life.

There is no gradual transition. There is no internship to soften the blow. After four years you are no longer a matriculated student. Student loans come due in six months. For many, in about three or four years, you’ll be off your parents health insurance.

Life.

I am especially sympathetic to this transition because it was hard for me and I remember it. No more hanging just around people you’re own age and station in life. You are suddenly thrust into a world where people had mortgages, kids and problems that didn’t have to do with writing a paper, studying for an exam or what bar to go to on Friday night.

Life.

But we all do it, don’t we? I mean, those of us who desire to make our own mark in the world. To see what we can do. To find what’s inside of us that made us think that college would make us better. To break free from our parents and see what can do with ourselves to make them proud of us. And ourselves.

So my advice is, know that this might be hard but you’ll get through it. Life is a marathon, not a sprint. You still have time to make mistakes and correct them. Find work you love. Explore your interests outside of your work and nurture them. Make yourself proud first. Take care of yourself mentally and physically. Learn to cook good healthy meals. Be kind to others less fortunate than yourself. Save some money for a rainy day. Don’t buy cheap furniture. Try and find balance in your life. Call your parents every now and then. Travel to other places. Make time for your friends. Recycle. Be a responsible citizen of the world.

Good luck class of 2015. You shall be missed. Call me every now and then J